Ex-convict and war veteran suspected of committing another murder in Russian village.

Russian private military contractor Wagner has recruited convicts to fight in Ukraine, promising them freedom after their service. However, at least seven instances have been reported in recent months where Wagner-recruited convicts were involved in violent crimes in Russia. President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed that he was "signing pardon decrees" for convicts fighting in Ukraine. Rights advocates fear that recidivism rates among those freed from prison through serving in Ukraine may rise as more convicts return from war.